Severe rainstorms disrupt China’s national college entrance exam (Gaokao)
Torrential rains caused widespread flooding in parts of eastern and central China, including Wuhu and Changsha, on June 7 and 8, 2025, disrupting the national college entrance examination (Gaokao). The Gaokao is China’s most important academic exam, taken by millions of students annually to determine university admission.
Car submerged in Wuhu, China due to rainstorm on June 7, 2025. Credit: Weather Monitor
China’s National Meteorological Center issued a Yellow alert for rainstorms on June 7, forecasting downpours in regions along the Yangtze, Huaihe, and Hanjiang rivers, as well as areas south of the Yangtze, Guizhou, and Guangxi. Parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, and Zhejiang were expected to receive up to 180 mm (7 inches) of rainfall, with hourly precipitation reaching 80 mm (3 inches) or more, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales.
Heavy rainfall occurred in Wuhu, Anhui Province, with Wanzhiqu Lihu K115 station recording 100 mm (4 inches) between 08:00 and 11:00 local time (LT) on June 7. Wanchun Middle School recorded 83 mm (3.3 inches) in just one hour, and 73 stations across Anhui saw over 50 mm (2 inches) between 05:00 LT and 08:00 LT.
Urban areas received 47 mm (1.8 inches), while Nanling County recorded 6 mm (0.2 inches). The Wuhu Meteorological Observatory issued an Orange rainstorm warning at 07:30 LT, forecasting hourly rainfall exceeding 80 mm (3 inches) in areas such as Shenxi and Erba.
Authorities in Wuhu prepared for the Gaokao by accommodating 25 000 candidates on June 7. Exam venues were equipped with dressing rooms for students to change into dry clothes. Daily weather reminders were sent to parents, and a volunteer convoy coordinated with traffic police to ensure timely arrivals. In Nanling County, no candidates were late as rainfall began after students had entered the exam halls.
Kaifu District in Changsha reported no flooding at its two test points as of 08:00 LT on June 8. The Education Bureau had issued weather alerts through official channels, with some posted as late as 22:00 LT on June 7. Candidates were advised to carry rain gear and plan travel routes. Traffic police and security personnel ensured smooth access to the exam venues.
Northern areas of Wuhan in South China experienced over 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall within a six-hour period on June 7, causing flash flooding and urban inundation.
A violent storm affected Lishui, Zhejiang Province, during the afternoon of June 8, as part of a broader weather system impacting eastern China. Limited details were reported, but the storm’s severity suggested risks of heavy rain and strong winds. The impact on Gaokao administration in Lishui was not specified.
Emergency measures in Wuhu on June 7 included closing underground facilities such as shopping malls and parking lots to prevent flooding incidents. Residents in low-lying areas were advised to use sandbags and water barriers. Authorities monitored for urban waterlogging, river flooding, and geological hazards while ensuring drainage systems remained functional.
On June 5, Wuhu’s Education Testing Center issued a weather advisory forecasting rainfall during the Gaokao. Parents were advised to prepare rain gear, waterproof bags, and travel routes based on road conditions. These preparations helped minimize the impact of rain on candidate travel.
References:
1 芜湖高考考场设更衣室，长沙发“赶考”温馨提示 – Wind News Shaanxi – June 8, 2025
2 此刻大雨倾盆！芜湖暴雨预警升级 – Central City Life Guide – June 7, 2025
3 China issues yellow alert for rainstorms – Xinhua – June 7, 2025
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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